Court bans violent rallies near special prosecutor's home

SEOUL, March 8 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Wednesday banned conservative civic groups from holding violent rallies near the home of Independent Counsel Park Young-soo who led the investigation into impeached President Park Geun-hye until last week.

The special prosecutor sought a preliminary injunction to stop them from holding rallies near his apartment complex, as the protesters used such intimidating expressions as "Kill Park Young-soo!"

The Seoul Central District Court partially accepted his request and prohibited the protesters from using such violent expressions within the 100-meter radius of Park's apartment complex, saying their actions seem to have crossed the boundary of exercising their legitimate rights.

Still, the court said the ban does not apply to statements which are not insulting.

Tension has been rising surrounding the special investigation, which named impeached President Park as a criminal suspect over allegations of bribery and blacklisting of artists, wrapping up a months-long probe into an influence-peddling scandal centered on her late last month.

The Constitutional Court will deliver a ruling Friday on whether to permanently oust her from the post. If the president is removed from her post, a presidential election should take place within 60 days.

scaaet@yna.co.kr
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